Ealing Fields C of E High School – Music Aptitude Test Explained
Each year, Ealing Fields C of E High School offers 16 specialist music places for Year 7 entry. These places are awarded to children who demonstrate a natural musical aptitude. Importantly, this does not depend on whether your child has had formal music lessons — the test is designed to assess musical potential, not prior training.
Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
For Stage 1, Ealing Fields uses the standard Music Aptitude test.This test format is also used by schools like: Dame Alice Owen’s, South West Herts Consortium schools like Parmiter’s, Wilson’s, Chancellor’s, , Ada Lovelace, Twyford, Tiffin, Camden School for Girls or Liverpool College, Herts and Essex, Moulsham School and many more.
Stage 1: Listening Test (Out of 60 marks)
The first round is a one-hour listening assessment, held in Twyford’s Performance Centre under exam conditions.
Your child will be asked to listen carefully and answer questions that test their ability to:
This stage lasts up to an hour and is marked out of 60. Students don’t need any preparation materials on the day, but regular practice at home makes a real difference.
Question Types:
• Pitch
Children hear two sounds and indicate whether the second is the same, higher, or lower. Some sounds differ by less than a semitone, making them very close in pitch.
• Melody
Children listen to two short tunes of five notes each. They must decide if the second tune is identical or if one note has changed—and, if so, which note.
• Texture
Children hear chords (groups of notes played together) and identify whether they contain two, three, or four notes.
• Rhythm
Children compare two short rhythmic patterns (each four beats long) to decide if they are the same or different. If different, they must pinpoint where the change occurs.
Stage 2: Aural Test (Out of 40 marks)
Following Stage 1, selected candidates are invited to return for a brief second assessment of around 20 minutes, which takes place at the Music College.
This part is more hands-on and engaging. During the session, students may be asked to:
Copy rhythms and pitch patterns by clapping or playing
Listen to short excerpts and sing or play them back
Identify instruments heard in recorded extracts
Sing back a specific note from a chord played on the piano (for example, the lowest, middle, or highest note)
React musically to prompts using classroom instruments
The format shares similarities with Grade 3–5 aural components from ABRSM and Trinity College London.
Important Dates
Round One: Early October 2026
Round Two: Second Week of October 2026
Mid October 2026: Families will be told their child’s position on the ranked list after Round 2.
How the Scoring and Offers Work
All applicants sit Round 1 on one of two given dates.
Parents are told their child’s score and whether they are invited to Round 2.
Final score = Round 1 + Round 2 (out of 100).
Students are ranked in order of score. The top 16 are offered a music place on National Offer Day (early March) — unless they accept a higher-preference school.
What if your child doesn’t make the top 16?
They will be placed on a waiting list, ranked by score.
In case of a tie, priority goes to children living nearer the school.
They can still apply for a general admissions place via the PAN London Common Application Form.
How to Apply
Complete the Specialist Music Admissions form online by end of September 2026.
Also submit the PAN London Common Application Form to your Local Authority by 31st October 2026.
Do not send in certificates or reports — prior music experience is not part of the process.
Expectations for Music Place Students
While not an entry requirement, students who gain a specialist place are expected to:
Actively contribute to extra-curricular rehearsals and performances
Make strong progress in performing, composing, and listening through the Music College programme
Learn a string, woodwind, or brass instrument (including guitar) as a first or second study
Find the Best Way to Prepare for the MAT
Not sure which path to take? Our parent-friendly guide breaks down the most effective music aptitude test resources, including practice materials, MAT app, online courses, and expert support.
Final Thoughts
The Ealing Fields music aptitude test is a fantastic opportunity for children with a natural musical ear. With clear preparation and steady practice, your child can feel confident in showcasing their ability — regardless of whether they’ve had lessons before.
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